8 Best Fishing Watches
Anglers use fishing watches to navigate the terrain, understand the environment, and locate the best possible spot. However, a quality fishing watch must be able to withstand water and rocky conditions on the terrain, not to mention counter the bright sunlight. This, along with the number of indicators makes it challenging to find the right one.
However, with a clear idea of your needs and budget, it does not seem so hard. If you are a new and puzzled angler, no worries. Here are some popular best fishing watches and a few useful buying guides for you to make an informed decision.
8 Best Fishing Watches
1. Suunto Traverse Outdoor Watch All Black
Best Features:
The first fishing watch on my list would be this Suunto Traverse for its quality construction. This digital watch from the most renowned fishing watch brand is crafted with stainless steel and sapphire. All in all, it offers a crystal clear and rugged display for outdoor adventures.
The first thing to note about this watch is its scratch-resistant sapphire dial window that is scrapped with rough edges, so it doesn’t get scratched easily. The manufacturers have used their signature nylon band. It resists moisture and prevents the angler from feeling sweaty.
Now, coming to the measurements, this one has a barometric pressure detector that detects sunrise and sunset well. You can also connect it with your mobile to get frequent alerts. Finally, it features a lithium-ion battery with fourteen hours of life and a GPS for maximum utility.
Pros
- Long battery life
- sunrise/ sunset alerts
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resist scratches ideally
Cons
- It is a bit pricey
Final thoughts: This Casio WRM100M Men’s fishing watch is a great choice for anyone in search of something durable and functional. Its waterproof and scratch-resistant build makes it a perfect match for routine fishing. Also, the pressure detector and moon phase add to its value.
2. Timex Men Expedition Shock XL Alarm Watch
Best Features:
Timex is a growing brand and most of their items are inexpensive. This Men’s Expedition Alarm watch is no different. It offers durability and a comfortable watch for long hours of casting. All in all, it is perfectly suitable for marine activity and serious water sports like saltwater fishing.
Firstly, this watch has a resin case with an acrylic lens that features a digital display. You will notice a hint of indigo light on the watch dial for better accuracy and easy visibility. Here, the manufacturers have also added an adjustable resin strap that keeps you away from sweat.
Moreover, speaking of its functions, this alarm watch follows a 100-hour chronograph with a 24-hour countdown timer. It has 3 vibrating modes for weeks, weekends, and daily alarms. Overall, you can use it within 660 ft. deep in the water, all thanks to its 200m water resistance capabilities.
Pros
- Easy to read
- Adjustable resin strap
- Better shock resistance
- Resist water ideally
Cons
- No barometer included
Final thoughts: This Timex Expedition alarm watch is a suitable alternative for anglers who have a low budget. Despite the affordable price tag, it features a lit digital display with easily understandable labels and high water resistance. Overall, its timer and alarm come in handy when casting.
3. Casio Men Fishing Timer Quartz Watch
Best Features:
Casio is a leading brand when it comes to fishing watches, especially quartz watches and this WR100M is no different. It is a multi-functioning watch that can act as a stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarm. What stands out to me about this watch is its fishing level indicators for easy navigation.
The first impressive thing about the Casio WR100M is its integrated LED light that helps you with high visibility, irrespective of the conditions on the terrain. It also has a 100M water resistance rating, which is suitable for saltwater fishing. The company also claims that the battery has a 20 year life, so you don’t have to change it frequently.
Important
This quartz watch from Casio has a lot of functions, making it challenging to set up. Hence, before you get this one, do consider that it will require a lot of time and effort to even go through the instruction manual.
Now, let us talk about its performance, which is yet another reason why it is one of the selling models from Casio’s fishing timer liner. Apart from the basic watch function, it integrates a fishing timer that works on the moon phase and data, helping you find the best time to fish. This way, you exactly know where to cast the line.
Pros
- Durable and waterproof
- Multi-functioning capabilities
- Long battery life
- Incredible casting assistance
Cons
- Difficult to set up
In essence, this Casio Men’s fishing timer WR100M is a great choice for anyone who wants something functional and multi-functioning. The highlight of this model is its built-in moon phase and fishing indicator feature that helps you find the right time to cast your line. Moreover, the LED light also helps you easily read the time.
4. Casio Men AQW101-1AVCF Multi-Task Gear Sport Watch
Best Features:
If you want the Casio G-Shock but do not have the budget for that, don’t worry and get yourself this AQW101 watch. It is an affordable G-Shock substitute with durable construction and backlight support. In addition, the fact that it supports around 30 time zones adds to its value.
First, speaking of its build, this Casio gear sport watch has a stainless steel bezel and resin strap that helps you with durability. It has helped me significantly in feeling sweat-free despite long hours of wearing it. Moreover, the backlit display makes every label crystal clear.
Now, let us discuss its functions, altimeter, thermometer, and barometer. All these functions combined help you navigate the lakes and find the best time to cast the line. The only drawback I felt about the watch was that the compass measurements were just for show.
Pros
- Offers precise measurements
- Durable and rugged
- Long battery life
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- The compass measurements are useless
Wrapping up, this Casio Men Gear sport watch is a must-have for anyone just starting angling and needing an affordable watch for it. This Casio one has all the necessary and advanced functions for easy navigation. Similarly, the rugged construction further makes it worth the money.
5. Casio Men Pro Trek Digital Sport Watch
Best Features:
Here comes another digital watch from Casio, specially designed for people with a reasonable budget. Despite the affordable price tag, this watch has a backlit display with a built-in thermometer and altimeter for accurate measurements. Plus, it is powered by solar energy.
First of all, this watch is equipped with an anti-glare mineral crystal dial window that works pretty well in outdoor conditions. Though the screen is small, you can see every label on it. It also has 200m water protection, which is around 660 ft. for a safe and secure fishing experience.
In addition, this sports watch comes with a barometric detector and altimeter that comes in handy while navigating the right fishing spot. It is further accompanied by an integrated compass that tells you about the direction when you are deep in the water.
Pros
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- Offers precise measurements
- A small compass
- Reasonable price tag
Cons
- Screen size can be improved
In essence, this Casio Pro Trek digital watch is a great choice for anyone who is restricted by the budget but requires a functional design to navigate multiple lakes for a suitable spot. It has an integrated compass and altimeter that serve you well. Plus, the fact that it runs in the sun will give you unlimited battery life.
6. Garmin Fenix 5 Multisport GPS Smartwatch
Best Features:
For active anglers who want absolute fishing spot support during casting, I have this Garmin Fenix 5 Smartwatch. It is a multi-functioning watch with multiple indicators to facilitate your fishing experience. Also, the durable construction and long battery extend its service life ideally. You can also check about Best Batteries for Trolling Motor.
Important
This Garmin Fenix 5 is inspired by Suunto Traverse and Pro Trek. However, because of the reasonable price tag, this watch shows less data than the previous two options. Also, the thermometer needs to be calibrated by the anglers.
First, starting off with its build, this smartwatch comes with a stainless steel bezel and a silicon strap, covered by mineral glass. All these materials are highly durable and improve their ability to resist scratches and abuse from the terrain. You can also use it 330 ft. deep into the water.
Now, speaking of the indicators, this watch is equipped with a barometer, altimeter, heart rate detectors, step detectors, calorie count, and speed. All these sensors along with a digital compass and GPS allow you to track the best possible time and spot for fishing. What’s even better is that its battery can easily last you a day.
Pros
- Durable and comfortable
- Long battery life
- Resist water ideally
- Supports LED backlight
Cons
- Difficult to set up
In essence, this digital watch from Garmin is a suitable choice for active anglers who want advanced indicators and a long battery life. The highlight of this watch is its several indicators that help you in counting all important things like heartbeat, speed, calorie count, etc.
7. Casio Men G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Resin Watch
Best Features:
Likewise, Casio has come up with yet another G7900-1 sporty timepiece for surf fishing with incredible durability and visibility. What I absolutely love about this watch is its moon phase which aids you in finding the best time to fish. Also, it supports several alarm and stopwatch functions.
This is a resin watch with a rubber case and an ordinary LCD screen. The entire case is waterproof and resists moisture from the surroundings pretty well. In addition, despite the screen not having a backlight, every label has a big font, so you can easily see everything clearly.
Now, speaking of the alarm function, it supports 29 time zones with a daily flash alarm facility. The manufacturers have also added tide and moon phase data that helps you track the weather and find the best place to cast your line. It saves you time and effort to a great extent.
Pros
- Support moon phase data
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Resist water ideally
- Offer optimal protection
Cons
- The stopwatch may issue
In conclusion, if you are in search of something durable and convenient, this G-Shock from Casio might be a better choice. It features a small LCD with easily understandable instructions and a moon phase data function. It can also withstand 660ft water, suitable for surf fishing.
8. SUUNTO 9 Baro – Rugged GPS Adventure Watch
Best Features:
The last fishing watch on my list is the Suunto 9 Bars for its lightweight and functional construction. It is a modern adventure watch that can be connected to your mobile phone for a pleasant experience. What’s even better is that it allows you to track the weather on the terrain.
Speaking of its build, this watch is made up of titanium, which is highly sturdy and feels light. It also has a 100M water resistance, so you can enjoy fishing without thinking about moisture damage during casting. It also has a fairly decent battery life, eliminating the need for a new one.
Finally, when it comes to functionality, this watch comes with a barometric pressure detector and moon phase detection. What’s even cooler is that it comes with a Suunto app that allows you to connect to the mobile phone to get maximum benefits. You are also getting a heart rate monitor for safety.
Pros
- Multiple functioning abilities
- App connecting abilities
- Durable frame
- Better spot tracking
Cons
- Setting up this watch is challenging
Wrapping up, this Suunto 9 Bars is one of the best fishing watches for anyone in search of something convenient and functional. Apart from water resistance, it has several tracking functions for maximum utility. Moreover, its dedicated app functionality and large battery life add to its value.
How to Find the Best Fishing Watch: All You Need to Know
Finding the best fishing watch can be a challenge, given so many considerations. However, having a clear idea of your requirements and budget can help you locate the best possible choice from the market. If you are still confused, here are some important things you need to consider when finding the best fishing watch.
Pro Tip
Prioritize a fishing watch with a transflective surface for easy readability in bright sunlight, ensuring you can effortlessly interpret labels and instructions during your fishing sessions.
Durability and Material Construction
The first thing you need to consider when buying a fishing watch is its material construction. Typically, most fishing watches are made up of sapphire crystal, both of which are pricier than mineral glass, yet highly durable to withstand harsh terrain conditions.
When it comes to a bezel, it must be made up of either stainless steel or resin. In comparison, titanium and silicon are usually the high-end materials, not to mention the most expensive.
Water Resistance
While casting, your watch is likely to get deep into the water and soak into it for a long time, which is why you need to invest in a quality watch that can survive fresh as well as saltwater. Water resistance in watches is measured in M and the rule of thumb says that the higher the value of M is, the better its water resistance and deeper it can go into the water. For saltwater, I would advise you to go for a 100M or above.
Ease of Cleaning
No one wants to clean the watch after an already hectic session of casting, especially getting into the small components of the watch. In this case, you definitely have to get away from normal leather and nylon watches; rather invest in something easy to clean like rubber, silicone, metal, or even resin. All you need to clean them is a soaked cloth and a mild detergent.
Clarity of Labels
When you are out there casting in the sunlight, it is better that you have an easy-to-read, visible display to understand labels, or else, it defeats the entire purpose. Hence, what’s better is that you invest in a transflective surface to counter the bright sunlight and read instructions. In addition, make sure your watch’s display has hints of brightness or light so that you can easily read the labels, without having to put in extra effort.
Indicators
The entire purpose of using a fishing watch is to navigate the waters and locate the best path to find the fishing spot. For this, you need several indicators like a barometer, pressure monitor, GPS tracking, and a built-in compass to track your location and find the best possible time to fish. If you want to go even further, some models come with integrated moon phase calendars and tidal charts that store previous data and help you evaluate the environment, aiding you in the entire casting experience.
FAQs
What is the best fishing watch?
Casio Pro Trek is undoubtedly one of the best when it comes to fishing watches, all thanks to its multi-functioning capabilities. It has an integrated compass and altimeter that serve you well. Plus, the rugged construction makes sure it survives the saltwater conditions well.
Which Suunto is best for fishing?
Suunto Traverse is one of the best fishing watches for fishing, all thanks to its well-put indicators and durable construction quality. It features a moon phase and tidal tracker for evaluating the terrain and finding the best time to fish. Also, the waterproof and scratch-resistant build makes it a perfect match for routine fishing.
What do fishing watches do?
A good fishing watch helps the anglers in understanding which direction they are moving and how to find a better spot in the water. These watches have several indicators like barometer, GPS, and compass to understand their environment. Moreover, they must be waterproof and durable to withstand the saltwater conditions.
Final Thoughts
Fishing watches are a great help when you are out there navigating the terrain to find the best fishing spot in deep and saltwater. However, given the massive number of specifications, it is extremely hard to find an efficient one. If you are still confused even after reading this guide, here are some of my favorites.
- Suunto Traverse Outdoor Watch All Black is best known for its durable construction and long battery life.
- Casio Men AQW101-1AVCF Gear Sport Watch has multiple indicators and provides anglers with precise measurements.
- SUUNTO 9 Baro – Rugged GPS Adventure Watch supports several indicators and a mobile-connected app.
Finally, I hope this guide has been helpful in finding the best fishing watch under your budget.